Controversy Erupts Over No Handshake at French Open Semi-Final
No handshake! French Open semi-final sparks controversy - Watch
Image: The Times Of India
Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk and Russian opponent Mirra Andreeva did not shake hands after their French Open semifinal, continuing Kostyuk's stance against Russian and Belarusian players since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This gesture symbolizes her support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
- 01Marta Kostyuk has consistently refused handshakes with Russian and Belarusian players since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- 02Kostyuk acknowledged Mirra Andreeva from a distance after their match, a gesture reflecting her political stance.
- 03This incident mirrors a similar occurrence at the Madrid Open earlier this year, where Kostyuk also declined a handshake with Andreeva.
- 04Kostyuk has been vocal about the impact of the war on Ukraine and emphasizes the need for athletes to speak out on the issue.
- 05She dedicated her semifinal achievement to Ukrainians and expressed concern for her family's safety amid the conflict.
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The French Open semifinal between Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk and Russian opponent Mirra Andreeva sparked controversy as the two players did not shake hands post-match. This has become a recurring theme for Kostyuk, who has refused to engage in handshakes with Russian and Belarusian players since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Instead, both players acknowledged each other from a distance, which Kostyuk views as a symbolic gesture of support for her country amid the ongoing conflict. Kostyuk, currently ranked World No. 15, has been one of the most outspoken Ukrainian athletes, alongside Elina Svitolina and Dayana Yastremska, regarding the war. She has made it clear that her position on this issue remains unchanged regardless of the tournament's significance. Kostyuk has also expressed the importance of athletes using their platforms to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war, emphasizing that such discussions help maintain global focus on the situation in Ukraine.
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Kostyuk's stance highlights the ongoing conflict's impact on athletes and raises awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
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